Rep. Sanchez sends holiday greetings from the 'fiscal cliff'

Dec. 13, 2012

Updated Aug. 21, 2013 12:28 p.m.

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Rep. Loretta Sanchez's 2012 card features her and her husband, Jack Einwechter, dancing along the "fiscal cliff." Click through the slideshow to see the complete cover of the card as well as cards from previous years. Sanchez for Congress

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Rep. Loretta Sanchez's 2012 card features her and her husband, Jack Einwechter, dancing along the "fiscal cliff." Sanchez for Congress

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In her 2002 holiday card, Rep. Loretta Sanchez, her then-husband Stephen Brixey and their cat, Gretzsky, show off in a convertible. Sanchez for Congress

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In the 2003 holiday card, Rep. Loretta Sanchez and her then-husband, Stephen Brixey, strike a playful pose. The card says: "With ambitions of joining the Sanchez family political tradition, Gretzky thought bulking up would give him an edge. Happy Holidays from Loretta, Stephen and the GRETZKINATOR." Sanchez for Congress

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Inside Rep. Loretta Sanchez's 2004 holiday card it said: "The stockings were hung from the chimney with care in hopes that the fire department soon would be there. Hope your holidays are smokin. Love, Loretta and Gretzky." Sanchez for Congress

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Rep. Loretta Sanchez and her cat, Gretzky, settle down for a "long winter's nap" in her 2005 holiday card. Sanchez for Congress

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In her famous "Pet the cat" card in 2006, Rep. Loretta Sanchez used a surfing theme, although her district is landlocked. Sanchez for Congress

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Rep. Loretta Sanchez and her cat, Gretzky, salute the Ducks in her 2007 holiday card. Sanchez for Congress

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Rep. Loretta Sanchez and Gretzsky hit the road for her 2008 holiday card. Sanchez for Congress

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Rep. Loretta Sanchez, divorced from husband Stephen Brixey in 2004, was still single in 2009, but that didn't mean she couldn't find a dance partner for her holiday card, which played on former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay's appearance on "Dancing With the Stars" and including her cat's thought bubble, "Tom DeLay, eat your heart out." Sanchez for Congress

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The "Occupy" movement got a nod in Sanchez's 2011 card. The card also featured, for the first time, Jack Einwechter, whom she married in July. Sanchez for Congress

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Rep. Loretta Sanchez's 2010 card paid tribute to Gretzky, who died that year after starring in previous holiday cards. Sanchez for Congress

Rep. Loretta Sanchez's 2012 card features her and her husband, Jack Einwechter, dancing along the "fiscal cliff." Click through the slideshow to see the complete cover of the card as well as cards from previous years.Sanchez for Congress

As if the terrain isn’t precarious enough, Rep. Loretta Sanchez is sporting red pumps with three-inch heels as she dances along the fiscal cliff with her husband, Jack Einwechter.

The Santa Ana Democrat’s playful holiday cards have become D.C. icons of the season, eagerly anticipated, greeted with mirth by many – and scornfully attacked by some foes.

Sanchez said she toyed with several ideas this year before settling on the fiscal cliff.

“It’s a serious topic,” Sanchez said Wednesday. “We wanted to let people know that we know it’s a stressful time, but also to remember that it’s the holidays and we should enjoy it.”

The outside of the card reads, “May you dance with joy this holiday season ... (just not too close to fiscal cliffs).”

The inside features Gretzky, her cat who died in 2010, with a halo. Gretzky has made an appearance on the holiday cards since Sanchez began sending them out in 1997, her first year in Congress.

Media interest is so strong that she told the Register and the Washington Post that they could see the card first only if they agree to an embargo until Thursday at 12:01 a.m. And demand has grown so that Sanchez estimated that half a million cards are being printed this year. They are sent to registered voters in the district – except those who've specifically asked not to receive them – as well as donors and others who request them.

The bill is covered by Sanchez’s campaign treasury. After sending them primarily by email last year, Sanchez said they are returning to the old-fashioned approach this year due to popular demand.

As for the real fiscal cliff, Sanchez said she has not ruled out support for entitlement reform.

“I’m willing to look at anything,” she said. “I think everything needs to be on the table. It’s a matter of what the entire package is. If it’s not too draconian and it makes sense, I’ll vote for it.”

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